Member Article

Mercedes-Benz UK wins National Apprenticeship Award

Mercedes-Benz UK was revealed as the BAE Systems sponsored Large Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards at an exclusive ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House on Friday.

The Awards, now in their thirteenth year, are run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognise excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

Mercedes Benz UK delivers intermediate and advanced apprenticeships in Light and Heavy Technician and Parts Operations through 180 franchised partners and independent specialists - with over 500 apprentices currently on the programme.

Guided, supported and challenged to achieve their full potential, the Mercedes Benz UK programme leads apprentices through development opportunities to become their next managers and leaders.

On accepting the award, Andrew Mallery, Training Operations Director at Mercedes-Benz UK, said:

“We made the decision to recruit apprentices as a way to combat our ageing workforce and have since grown our apprentice intake by 98% in the last four years. We see apprenticeships as a route to tapping into the talents of young people in order to support succession planning and growth aspirations.

“Almost two-thirds of our apprentices are still with the business a decade later. Moreover, 91% of apprentices have been promoted or gone on to gain additional qualifications, supported by the business.“

The ceremony also saw Mercedes-Benz UK named in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list. The list, which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service, sponsored by Centrica, recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said:

“Congratulations to Mercedes-Benz UK for your success in this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards, which have showcased so much inspiring talent, dedication and ensures that apprenticeships get the prestige they deserve.

“I am always proud to see how many employers and apprentices get involved in apprenticeships across the country, helping to give a ladder of opportunity to people and deliver quality skills for employers. I hope your involvement encourages others to do the same to ensure social justice for all.“

The National Apprenticeship Awards showcase and recognise the many benefits apprenticeships bring to individuals and businesses and inspire others to follow, enabling them to lead successful lives and drive economic growth in England.

Richard Hamer, Education & Skills Director at BAE Systems said:

“I am delighted for Mercedes-Benz UK winning the BAE Systems Large Employer of the Year at this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards. At BAE Systems, we know apprenticeships provide us with a critical pipeline of talented people into our organisation, we are committed to apprenticeships as they meet both our businesses skills requirements and provide the perfect blend of vocational and academic study for people to develop and further their careers.“

Sue Husband, director, National Apprenticeship Service was host on the night. She concluded:

“The National Apprenticeship Awards have highlighted once again the magnificent range of apprenticeships on offer - with leading employers in exciting industries - and the skills that apprentices gain when taking on these roles.

“Every year this event gets bigger and better, bringing to the forefront of our minds the importance of apprenticeships to local, regional and national economies. Apprenticeships are for everyone and I personally thank each and every employer and apprentice recognised at Friday’s event for their commitment to apprenticeships.“

To view the full list of award winners and finalists or for more information about apprenticeships, search on GOV.UK

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by National Apprenticeship Service .